Academic at leading Chinese university suspended for sending string of abusive messages to students
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University said associate professor Ni Bingbing would be forced to make a ‘deep self-criticism’ for his actions
- Electronic engineer had used terms such as ‘garbage’ and ‘f---ing idiots’ to refer to students who asked for time off at weekends
A professor with a leading Chinese university has been suspended after a string of abusive messages he sent to students were leaked online.
Ni Bingbing, an associate professor with Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s school of electronic information and electrical engineering, was found to have “used inappropriate language and failed teachers’ ethical standards”, according to a statement issued by the university on Monday.
The university said the academic, who had used terms such as “garbage” and “f---ing idiots” to refer to his students has been ordered to apologise and make a “deep self-criticism”.
The statement also said his violations will be announced to the whole university and he would be suspended from teaching with immediate effect.
Screenshots from a WeChat group circulating online showed Ni had been verbally abusing his students by calling them “illiterate”, “garbage”, “idiots”, “f---ing idiots” and “s---”.
In one conversation Ni – who was recruited by the Chinese government’s Thousand Talents Programme to lure back academics who have studied overseas – reacted abusively when a student asked for time off at the weekend.
He told the group that students should be automatically studying at weekends and only ask for time off if they really needed it.
“Trash. What qualification do you have to take a rest? You are nothing but trash. Consider taking a rest only when you are somebody,” the message read.
“You garbage, idiot, illiterate. Your writing is like s---. Why don’t you go eat s---?” the message continued, followed by more swear words such as“f---ing idiots”.
The exposed screenshots has went viral with thousands voicing their outrage at his behaviour
One postgraduate writing on Weibo: “Why don’t you learn how to be a human being? … What a trashy tutor.”
“All these swear words just make him look silly, vicious and childish,” said another.
Concerns about academic misbehaviour have been growing in Chinese universities in recent years. Social media users have made a string of allegations that range from bullying to sexual harassment and assault, with students reportedly being driven to suicide in some of the most serious cases.
A number of tutors at some of the country’s leading institutions have been subject to disciplinary or legal action as a result of these allegations.
